Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)

RangeOpen habitats (such as marshes and meadows) throughout northern and central

SizeLength 18-20 inchesWingspan 40-47 inchesWeight 10-27 ounces

HabitatSmall mammals, birds, etc., found in the open habitat, including mice, blackbirds, insects, and lizards.

DietSmall mammals, birds, etc., found in the open habitat, including mice, blackbirds, insects, and lizards.

CharacteristicsHunts generally over open spaces by quartering the area, flying slowly and close to the ground with wings held in a strong dihedral. Nests on the ground Male has pale grey plumage with white under wing feathers and black primaries; female has brownish plumage and is visibly bigger than the male.